How to remove ChillTab browser hijacker from Mac?

What is ChillTab?

ChillTab (Tab.chill-tab.com) is a suspicious application that supposedly enhances the browsing experience by improving search results. This functionality may seem legitimate, however, ChillTab often infiltrates systems without permission. Furthermore, it modifies browser settings and gathers sensitive information. For these reasons, ChillTab is categorized as a potentially unwanted program and a browser hijacker.

This browser hijacker promotes a fake web search engine (search.chill-tab.com) and targets the Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome browsers. Following infiltration, ChillTab assigns the new tab URL, default search engine, and homepage options to search.chill-tab.com These changes may seem insignificant, however, users are unable to revert them. Research shows that search.chill-tab.com reassigns browser options when attempts are made to change them. Therefore, as long as ChillTab is present, returning browsers to their previous states is impossible and users are encouraged to visit search.chill-tab.com when they search via the URL bar or simply open a new browser tab. Be aware that ChillTab (and search.chill-tab.com) gather information that typically includes personal details. Collected data (IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, etc.) is later shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). These people generate revenue by misusing private information. Therefore, information tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. We strongly recommend that you uninstall the ChillTab browser hijacker and never return to search.chill-tab.com

Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Spyhunter.

ChillTab shares many similarities with dozens of other browser-hijacking applications. By offering various "useful features", potentially unwanted programs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, these applications are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. All claims to enable "useful functions" are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimacy. Rather than giving any real value for regular users, browser hijackers cause unwanted redirects and gather sensitive information. Furthermore, some fake search engines feed users with false results and generate intrusive advertisements and might lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft.

How did ChillTab install on my computer?

Developers proliferate ChillTab by employing a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" and intrusive advertisements. "Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of PUPs together with regular programs. Developers hide "bundled" programs within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes, whilst intrusive ads redirect to malicious sites and execute scripts that stealthily download and install malware. Furthermore, many users are likely to rush these procedures, skip steps, and click ads without understanding the possible consequences. This behavior often leads to inadvertent installation of PUPs such as ChillTab.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To prevent PUP infiltration, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and especially when downloading/installing software. Bear in mind that intrusive advertisements are typically designed to appear legitimate, however, most lead to dubious websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, and and so on). They are usually displayed by adware-type PUPs. If you suspicious redirects, immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, carefully analyze each window of the download/installation processes and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. Software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links. Developers monetize third party downloaders/installers by promoting PUPs, and thus, these tools should not be used. The key to computer safety is caution. If your computer is already infected with browser hijackers, we recommend running a scan with
Spyhunter for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.

Deceptive application installer promoting ChillTab:

Instant automatic removal of search.chill-tab.com redirect:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Spyhunter is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of search.chill-tab.com redirect. Download it by clicking the button below:▼ DOWNLOAD SpyhunterBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Spyhunter.

ChillTab redirect removal:

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select “Applications”. In the applications folder, look for “MPlayerX”,“NicePlayer”, or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Spyhunter.

Remove search.chill-tab.com redirect related files and folders:

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar, choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents

In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.

Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/Application Support

In the “Application Support” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, “MplayerX” or “NicePlayer”, and move these folders to the Trash.

Check for adware-generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents folder:

In the Go to Folder bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents

In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.

Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons

In the “LaunchDaemons” folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example, “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”, "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, etc., and move them to the Trash.

Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure your system is not infected run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file double click combocleaner.dmg installer, in the opened window drag and drop Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates it's virus definition database and click "Start Combo Scan" button.

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide, otherwise it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Safari:

Remove search.chill-tab.com redirect related Safari extensions:

Open Safari browser. From the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.

Change your homepage:

In the "Preferences" window, select the "General" tab. To set your homepage, type the preferred website URL (for example: www.google.com) in the Homepage field. You can also click the “Set to Current Page” button if you wish to set your homepage to the website you are currently visiting.

If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Remove search.chill-tab.com redirect related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:

Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the "Open Menu" (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose "Add-ons".

Choose the "Extensions" tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Remove" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.

In the URL address bar, type "about:config" and click the "I'll be careful, I promise!" button.

In the "Search:" field, type the name of the browser hijacker. Right click on each of the found preferences and click "Reset" from the drop-down menu.

If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Remove search.chill-tab.com redirect related Google Chrome add-ons:

Open Google Chrome and click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose "More Tools" and select "Extensions".

In the "Extensions" window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Trash" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.

Change your homepage:

Click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button and choose "Settings". In the "On Startup" section, click the "Set pages" link near to the "Open a specific page or set of pages" option. Remove the URL of the browser hijacker (for example trovi.com) and enter your preferred URL (for example, google.com).

Change default search engine:

Click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button and choose "Settings". In the "Search" section, click the "Manage search engines..." button. In the opened window, remove the unwanted Internet search engine by clicking the "X" button next to it. Select your preferred Internet search engine from the list and click the "Make default" button next to it.

If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter to stay informed about the latest online security threats.

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